In light of Trumps “gaffe” about Sen McCain it’s time this nation had a serious discussion on who is labeled a hero. This is going to PO a lot of people but I don’t care.
Hero is a title/ label that has been insanely abused, twisted and perverted over the last decade or so. This title was once reserved for those who truly went above and beyond whatever position or role they held, where ones age and gender is irrelevant. Hero is someone who takes/took a great risk to save lives, prevent catastrophe up to and including sacrificing their own life. The police officers, firemen and other first responders who ran back into the World Trade Center on 9/11 after the collapse of the South Tower are heroes. Two little boys who ran into a burning home to save two babies are heroes. When it comes to war the actions of countless Congressional Medal of Honor winners are clear examples of war heroes.
(Using the example of CMH winners as an extreme example of acts of heroism in war. In no way are the acts of heroism by those in the military who are not CMH winners are being dismissed.)
Today all you have to do is breath, stand your ground on a controversial position or do your job (which involves taking a risk) and pundits and the media on both sides start the praise and parade. Cops, firemen, rescue personnel are paid to do what they do. Yet many are called heroes. Soldiers are paid to fight wars, get shot at, captured and if necessary die. Majority are called heroes regardless of what they have done. When did we start calling people who do their jobs that involves taking a risk the moment they are on the clock heroes? If a salesman takes a risk using a new technique or sells a new product that delivers a windfall in sales volume shouldn’t they be given the title of hero for the company they work for by today’s logic?
It seems everywhere you turn today there is a story about a hero. But many times when you learn more about the story it turns out to be about someone doing their job or rising above great personal obstacles! Lets take a look at two examples trending right now:
Did John McCain go through horrendous circumstances while a POW during Vietnam? Absolutely, but does this justify the title of hero? IMO NO. McCain was a combat pilot, paid to take risks, get captured and die if necessary. He in fact did what he was trained to do resisting his abusive, sadistic captors for 5 years (thanks to his SERE training). So because he took the pain he is deemed a war hero. I’m very sorry and I know it angers many but I do not see the trigger for deeming this warrior a hero. I and many Americans are extremely grateful for the Senator’s service and sacrifice but calling him a hero equating what he went through to those (many posthumously) who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, under similar horrific circumstances if not worse, is a stretch.
Has Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner lived a remarkable life and finally coming to grips with who they are being a voice for the trans community? Yes, but does Jenner deserve to be called a hero? IMO NO. Jenner chose to be an Olympian who excelled winning the gold medal. Jenner also accepted who they are internally after a lifetime battle and “came out” to live the rest if their life as a woman. But neither of these are things justifying being called a hero. Jenner did not personally save lives from the grips of death or preserve national treasure, there was no sacrifice for God and Country.
Both of these are examples of people deemed heroes and there are countless more examples like them being called heroes. Do they deserve it? Is what they did the equivalent of two CHILDREN running into a burning home to rescue two babies? What about the countless number of US military who have fallen in battle or survived but lost limbs and senses? Is Jenner or McCain’s sacrifice the equivalent to the police and firemen who ran back into the WTC after the collapse of the South Tower knowing the North would come down while they were inside? We need to start putting things in proper perspective and stop with the praise and putting people on pedestal.
For those who will go on the attack in no way am I trivializing or dismissing what McCain or Jenner have done or been through. No bigotry here, just great concern that political correctness is taking over our language, culture and how we define ourselves.
Calling one a hero by today’s standard is just another example of how political correctness and entitlements are completely out of control. Yes people like McCain and Jenner should be commended for going above and beyond and inspiring people but being called a hero needs to be reserved. I have seen only one person so humble as to not accept the title of being called hero and that man is fmr Navy SEAL Marcus Lutrell. During Gov Perry’s speech announcing his 2016 run he talked about heroes and Marcus. A woman in attendance called Marcus a hero, he softly responded “no”. You see Marcus, who went through hell like many others, truly understands what being called hero means…
If the Lone Survivor can refuse being called hero than so should many others.
The title of hero must be reserved and held to a much higher standard than it is today. It’s being used in the same manner now as trophies are being handed out for just showing up. A line must be drawn to not abuse this title, otherwise it becomes meaningless where it will be just a matter of time until everyone is called a hero for achievement doing their chosen profession/recreation. It’s kind of surprising those who break world records aren’t being hailed heroes by today’s open/loose definition of the word.
The debate and argument over who is and isn’t a hero won’t be settled here. If anything people who see this post will attack me for denying McCain the title and being so insensitive to Jenner’s sacrifice. The truth hurts and I don’t care… this is exactly why Donald Trump is resonating with Americans right now. It’s time to stop being nice and silent on issues that are offensive, stop being politically correct and get people to address things they are uncomfortable talking about. Otherwise we are going to end up a neutered society looking like something out of Demolition Man being cited for foul language while getting excited hearing Oscar Meyer jingles on the oldies music station!